THE LATEST FROM TOURISM SNOWY MOUNTAINS

TSM Board Positions

Tourism Snowy Mountains (TSM) today announcedthat Mr Peter Cochran, Chairman of TSM has decided not to stand for re-electionfollowing expiry of his term after almost 3 ½ years. Peter has a verysuccessful business, Cochran Horse Treks that requires more of his time. DuringPeter’s term as Chairman, TSM has successfully contributed to the very stronggrowth of visitors to the region. The Board acknowledged Peter’s significantcontribution and wishes him well. Peter has advised that he will remain a memberof TSM and fully support the organisation.

Consequently, the Board has met and unanimously elected Wayne Kirkpatrick asChairman. Wayne has been on the Board of TSM since May 2011 and has been DeputyChairman and Treasurer of TSM.

Mr Bruce Marshall was elected unanimously as Treasurer and Mr Nolen Oayda waselected unanimously as Public Officer and Secretary.

Wayne has previously held the positions of Managing Director and CEO ofThredbo, Mirage Resorts, Ayres Rock Resort and Hamilton Island. He has alsoserved terms as a Director of Tourism Task Force (now Tourism and TransportForum), NT Tourism, Tourism Australia and Tourism Tasmania.

The Board of TSM also resolved to establish a Tourism Snowy Mountains SelectionPanel in accord with its Constitution, leading up to the next AGM, to be heldon a date to be advised in November, whereby additional skills based personswill be sought for appointment to the Board of TSM to broaden therepresentation on the Board.

Destination Southern NSW

Wayne Kirkpatrick was also recently appointed asa Director of Destination Southern NSW Ltd (DSNSW) by the NSW Govt followingits establishment after the review of RTO’s in NSW by Destination NSW.

DSNSW is one of six (6) Destination Networks recently created by the NSWGovernment with the primary responsibility for driving growth of the visitoreconomy to help achieve the State’s overnight visitor expenditure goal by 2020. Achievement of this ambition will lead to economic growth, job creationand improved settings and appeal for the attraction of investment to theregion. The Destination Southern NSW Ltd region covers the eight (8) LocalGovernment Areas extending north and west of the ACT taking in Young andBoorowa, east of the ACT taking in Queanbeyan, Crookwell, Goulburn, Bungendore,Braidwood, Batemans Bay and south to the Victorian border covering Narooma,Bermagui, Tathra, Merimbula and Eden and west across to the Snowy Mountains.

DSNSW recently met with TSM and SMRC over two (2) days in Cooma and Jindabyneto discuss key issues and opportunities ahead for the region. Members of theNSW Govt’s Dept of Premier and Cabinet, Regional Development also joined thesemeetings as did representatives of various Chambers of Commerce, ProgressAssociations and the resorts.

Initiatives will be developed and announcements made in due course.

Structure of Tourism in the Snowy Mountains in future

SMRC recently commissioned the University ofCanberra to consider how tourism should be structured in future. The report isanticipated to be submitted to Council late in September. It will address theinteraction between Council, TSM, Chambers of Commerce etc and funding amongstother matters.

At this stage, TSM has not been adopted by Council as the Local TourismOrganisation (LTO). Extensive discussions have taken place between TSM andCouncil in this regard and TSM has been consulted by the University ofCanberra.

TSM is hopeful of a positive outcome from the study but in any case, Directorspresently hold the view that TSM should continue its work, acting as a veryconstructive forum between the major resort operators, small businesses,Council, NPWS and Snowy Hydro to consider issues and opportunities for theregion.

Results are in from the October 2016 – May 2017 DigitalCampaign

As you know TSM ran a digital campaign promotingthe region during the period October 2016 to May 2017 in conjunction withGoggle and Hotels Combined utilising TSM’s web site, Facebook, Twitter andInstagram mediums. The campaign was jointly funded by DNSW with a total spendof $270,000

Data also recently released by NPWS also confirms the regions’ healthy growth

2014 visitation figures in the order of 1.5 million, the majority in winter

2017 visitation figures estimated to be over 2 million spreading across thefour seasons

Local growth figures

Easter Car count 2015 to 2016, 13% increase

Easter Car count 2015 to 2017, 30% increase

Annual car count 2013 to 2016, 15% increase

January car count figures 2013 to 2016, 30% increase

Yarrangobilly Caves Easter Sunday 2010 to 2017 116% increase.

Thredbo Valley Track counts are as follows:

Officially opened in January 2015

2015 usage 97,800 (Counters)

2016 usage 108,572 – 11.01% increase

2017 usage 76,610 to end of May.

Peak day Saturday 15 April 814 up, +39.4% on previous peak day.

Proposed Spring, Summer, Autumn Campaign, 2017- 18

On the strength of the above data, TSM and SMRCat a recent meeting agreed to proceed and mount another “summer” campaign fromOctober this year.

It will essentially be digitally based and run from October 2017 to May 2018,emulating the campaigns run by TSM for the same corresponding periods duringprevious years (October 2014 to May 2015 AND October 2015 to May 2016) inconjunction with DNSW, Hotels Combined and Google.

Last year’s campaign is currently being reviewed to determine if any changes or“refreshing” is necessary and TSM’s stakeholders and members will be approachedto determine if they wish to contribute to the proposed campaign.

Once TSM has determined the level of funding support, it will approach DNSWrequesting joint $ for $ funding for the campaign.

TSM Membership renewals

In closing, members are reminded that membershipsubscriptions for 2017-18 are now due. Subscription notices will be sent outand members may now pay by Pay Pal with a link found on TSM’s web site or bycontacting Jacqui Percy at TSM’s office.

Tourism Snowy Mountains is an independent, not-for-profit organisation recognised by Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Destination NSW as the official Tourism Organisation for the Snowy Mountains and surrounding regions including all of the towns and villages of the Monaro with their rich history and diverse experiences. Its Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of Snowy Monaro Regional Council, the major resorts, NPWS, Snowy Hydro and independent skills based individuals selected by and independent selection panel.

Share

Close Box
Don’t Miss What’s New
in the Snowy Mountains

Sign up for newsletters and deals from Snowy Mountains and our partners.